Melissa’s Story Highlights Life-Changing Impact

Healing Hands Health Expands Dental Hygiene Services with Virginia Health Care Foundation Support – Melissa’s Story Highlights Life-Changing Impact Bristol, TN

Healing Hands Health is proud to celebrate the success of its expanded dental hygiene program, made possible by a grant from the Virginia Health Care Foundation (VHCF). The grant supports the salary and benefits of Healing Hands’ first full-time dental hygienist, enabling the clinic to welcome hundreds of new patients and greatly expand preventative oral health education.

This initiative is transforming lives—including that of Melissa, a Healing Hands patient. When Melissa first arrived, she hadn’t seen a dentist in years. Without insurance, dental care seemed out of reach. After becoming eligible for Virginia Medicaid, she turned to Healing Hands and began a year-and-a-half treatment plan led by Michelle, the clinic’s dedicated dental hygienist. Melissa never missed an appointment. Guided by Michelle’s patient education and preventive care, she achieved healthy gums, became decay-free, and gained a renewed sense of confidence. Once hesitant to smile, Melissa now proudly shares it at work, with family, and even during her weekly Friday breakfast gatherings.

“Oral health remains a top priority for Healing Hands Health,” said Helen Scott, Executive Director. “Melissa’s story shows that when patients gain access to consistent, high-quality dental care, the results go far beyond a healthier smile—they restore confidence, dignity, and quality of life. We are deeply grateful to VHCF for making this possible.” Through this grant-funded program, Healing Hands Health is improving access to preventive dental services for adults with Virginia Medicaid and ensuring more people understand how to maintain long-term oral health.

Healing Hands Health provides community-supported, affordably priced care that allows individuals with limited insurance coverage to restore their quality of life. Qualified residents of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia can receive medical, mental health, dental and vision care. The Virginia Health Care Foundation is a non-profit public/private partnership with a mission to increase access to primary health care for uninsured and medically underserved Virginians.